Guest Column: Preventing crime over the holidays

Monday

Nov 26, 2012 at 6:53 PMNov 26, 2012 at 6:56 PM

It’s the holiday season once again. Many people can become victims of burglary, theft and other crime during the holidays. Protecting yourself and home from crime is one way to be safe and happy this holiday season.

by Sheriff Paul White

It’s the holiday season once again. Many people can become victims of burglary, theft and other crime during the holidays. Protecting yourself and home from crime is one way to be safe and happy this holiday season.

To help ensure everyone has safe and fun holidays, the Anderson County Sheriff’s Department offers the following tips for Holiday Crime Prevention.

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Shopping:

• Park in lighted areas at night.

• Always lock your car.

• Don't try to cover items on your seats. Put shopping bags in your trunk or take your packages straight home after shopping and go back out.

• Don't carry large amounts of cash with you, or else, keep it in your front pocket — not in your purse or wallet.

• Be extra careful when carrying a purse — they are the prime targets of criminals in crowded shopping areas. If you must carry one, make sure it has a strap that can go over the shoulder and be held under the arm, making them more difficult for purse snatchers to grab.

• Keep a record of all of your debit and credit card numbers in a safe place at your home.

• Beware of strangers approaching you. This is the time of year when thieves may try various methods to distract you with the intention of taking your money or belongings.

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Home:

• Always lock your home, garage, and outbuildings. Even if you are only going to be away for a few minutes.

• When leaving home for an extended time, have a neighbor or family member watch your house and pick up your newspapers and mail.

• Leave a light on when you leave your home at night or put your lights on an automatic timer.

• Leave a television or radio on so your home looks and sounds occupied.

• Make sure your holiday gifts are not visible through the windows and doors of your home.

• Never say you are away from home on the outgoing message on your answering machine or voice mail. Simply say you are unable to answer the phone at the time.

• Never post on your Facebook page or other social networking website that you are away from home. Wait until you return and then post the fun details of your trip.

• After the holidays, don’t advertise gifts by leaving boxes for the garbage collection. Flatten boxes and place in a sealed garbage bag.

One of the best ways to prevent crime is to have “nosy” neighbors. Be watchful of suspicious cars or people in your neighborhood. Have a neighbor watch your house, and do the same for them.

If you see something suspicious, call your local police immediately. In Anderson County, call the Sheriff’s Department at 457-2414.

One of the best crime prevention tools is a Neighborhood Watch program. For information on starting or joining a Neighborhood Watch group, contact our Crime Prevention Officer, Deputy David Massengill, at 457-6255, extension 1150.

Sheriff’s deputies will be out in force to help deter burglaries and thefts in an effort to keep our community safe. Ensuring you and your family have a safe holiday season is our top priority.

On behalf of the men and women of the Anderson County Sheriff’s Department, best wishes for a safe and happy holiday season.

Paul White is Anderson County sheriff.

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